IN THE RANGES

Evening Star, Issue 24325, 14 October 1942, Page 3

IN THE RANGES

NEW GUINEA CAMPAIGN SKIRMISHES WITH JAPANESE PATROLS (N.Z.P.A. Special Aust. Correspondent) SYDNEY, October 13. Japanese troops are now stated to be occupying positions covering tho Oavcii Stanley trail, just south of Templeton’s crossing, Avhich is the last objecth-o in tho heights of the mountains before the rapid descent begins to Kokoda, 12 miles aAvay. Opposing patrols have been skirmishing and exchanging light fire. No official estimate has been given of the size of this Japanese forward force, and there is no indication AA'hether the enemy intends to make a determined stand or whether his purpose is merely to hamper the Australian drive. A spokesman at General MacArtlmr’s headquarters said to-day that the Allied troops Avere believed to have made some advance to the north from both Kagi and Myola, which are on alternative routes at the summit of the ranges. It is believed that the Australians will soon bo ready to continue their push, and that tho present someAA'hat obscure and confused situation will he clarified Avithin the next feAv days. For almost a week the Australian forces have been halted in the area of tho gap, consolidating their forward positions and strengthening their supply line. Noav that the land threat to Port Moresby has been removed no sound strategic reason exists for immediate continuation of the advance. Over-eagerness might have serious consequences. The latest reports warn against tho view that the Japanese have completely abandoned the Bun.i-Kokoda area Allied planes Avere active yesterday in bombing and strafing attacks along the enemy supply trail and at Buna. One possibility is that the Japanese are maintaining holding in the area, and that their future actions will be governed by the outcome of the Solomons battle, which is iioav believed to be nearing a climax. An enemy success in the Solomons Avould undoubtedly bo a prelude to a renewed offensive against Port Moresby, Avhile a decisive defeat might result in the abandonment of their New Guinea operations. _ The present skirmishing in the ranges is taking place at an altitude of about 5,000 ft, and the area is a fairly flat plateau, covered Avith dense rain forest. Much more difficult country lies both ahead and behind the opposing forces. Once driven out of their present positions the Japanese would be unlikely to offer substantial resistance, at least until the Australian drive penetrated to the Kokoda area,,

ance of power in favour of the Japanese.” Emphasising the need l for strong' Allied reinforcements on Guadalcanal, the ‘ Daily Telegraph ’ adds : “ It is not suggested that the enemy is preventing American reinforcements from landing. If the distance from the United States is the reason for lack of reinforcements, why not send men from Australia ? This and other related problems could be solved more expeditiously if we had a single command in the South-west Pacific—not a military command based on Australia and a naval command based on New Zealand. Independent commands in interdependent strategic areas are illogical. The Solomons battle should not be regarded merely as a naval show. Its outcome could materially affect the fortunes of the United Nations. We cannot afford to risk a major reverse through remote control and a divided command.” ENEMY MUSTERING FORCES. The opinion in Britain and America is that the Japanese are going slowly in New Guinea and the Aleutians in order to muster their forces for a great effort in the Solomons. It appears to be generally recognised that possession of the Guadalcanal airfield would enable the Japanese to prosecute their prime purpose in the South-west Pacific—attempted occupation of the New Hebrides and New Caledonia, placing them across the supply line from America to Australia and New Zealand. “ No one should minimise the danger of fresh Japanese troop landings in the Solomons.” says the London ‘ Daily Telegaph.’ “The Tokio war lords are showing that they are well aware that, unless they hold the airfields and harbours of the island chain from Asia across the South-west Pacific, they cannot keep their conquests.” MARINES EXPAND HOLDINGS ENEMY CRUISERS DAMAGED (Roc. 9.55 a.in:) WASHINGTON. October 13. Rear-Admiral McCain has returned from the Solomons area to head the Naval Bureau of Aeronautics. At a Colonel Knox Press conference he declared : “ Wo can hold the Solomons and expand.” The Navy Department announced that the marines have enlarged their positions on Guadalcanal during a two days’ offensive. The Japanese suffered many casualties.